We went to a funeral for another one of our elderly friends today. He was almost 85 and almost made it to his 65th wedding anniversary. Together, he and his wife had nine children, one who passed away. We crossed paths often at daily Mass and at adoration. A sweet man, a gentleman, and always seen with his wife, he definitely provided an example of gentleness, faithfulness, integrity, devotion to the rosary and the Mass, and good stewardship. This was probably one of the most light-hearted funerals I have been to. When people goofed up on words in songs, they weren’t afraid to smile and say, “Shall we begin again?” and the monsignor’s homily was definitely light-hearted. He remarked at how much the faith community extends the family, and that is how this gentleman treated our faith community, like family. He said, “He lived what he said he believed.” It is a beautiful thing to go to another funeral for another wonderful man.
Here are some words that struck me today from that experience:
On the back of his prayer card with the picture of Our Lady: A beautiful life that came to an end, he died as he lived, everyone’s friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept, of one we loved, and will never forget.
From the song, “Here I am, Lord,” that we sang in the beginning:
I the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
From the song, “You are mine,” that we sang before the Eucharistic prayer began:
I am strength for all the despairing,
healing the ones who dwell in shame.
All the blind will see,
the lame will all run free,
and all will know my name.
Do not be afraid I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me,
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.
And the final thing I saw on a family video that was playing in the corner, unnoticed by most: Passing the torch!
Thank you God for giving us companions on this journey! They leave so many messages of your love behind for us to gather and continue on…
lamehousewife
It is a Christian duty to support and console a family by attending funerals. It is always beautiful to witness the virtue of a family of faith. One of the most edifying things to witness, as you put it is the testimony of a beautiful life.
Funerals ceremonies really are for that purpose — notwithstanding the prayers for the repose of the soul. It is the memorial of a soul’s life on earth and how he influenced the lives of his family and loved ones. I think one of the points to the funeral, one that God wants us to have, is to honor the witness of a beautiful life and to celebrate his or her memory. This brings so much consolation and peace to family and friends.
There is certainly a lot to be grateful for, that is for sure. One thing in particular is that this faith community of daily Mass goers comes together so quickly when someone needs them. It’s pretty cool to see. And then when the Lord begins to leave His little footprints all over in moments like those, the heart just fills with a tremendous amount of gratitude. Thank you for stopping by, Biltrix. Your comments are always appreciated. God bless…
It is always joy even mixed with sadness to attend the funeral of one who has died in faith. And I love both hymns you mentioned – we sing those, too.
Oh, we have so much in common, sister:) God bless, LL….